Bishop LaValley issues statement on the new pope

Diocese of Ogdensburg Bishop Terry R. LaValley, who was not available for comment Wednesday on the naming of a new pope, issued the following statement Thursday:

Sing a New Song Unto the Lord we have a pope!! What joyous news we have received! I join the faithful from throughout the Diocese of Ogdensburg in giving thanks to Almighty God for the gift of a new shepherd, Pope Francis. We are grateful to the Cardinal-electors for their inspired choice of this new successor to Peter the Apostle.

Our new Pope, the first ever from the Americas, is truly a wonderful gift to the universal Church and the world. This remarkable election signals a springtime in the life of the Church. Pope Francis can be assured of the prayerful support of us all. May God bless him abundantly as he beings his Petrine Ministry of love and service.

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